Thoracoscopic treatment of a broncho-esophageal fistula: A case report

A Case of Esophago-Respiratory Fistula due to Inhalation Smoke Injury Diagnosed by Upper Endoscopy

Esophago-respiratory fistula (ERF) refers to the formation of a pathological connection between the esophagus and respiratory tract. Acquired ERF is a rare but life-threatening diagnosis in adults. We describe a 79-year-old male who was admitted with an inhalation smoke injury. He was diagnosed with ERF by endoscopic visualization and sampling of the hyaline cartilage within the wall of the esophagus. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement and conservative measures were effective in the management of ERF.

Bronchoesophageal fistula: a rare complication of aortic endograft infection

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair is an increasingly common approach for aortic aneurysm repair. Infection of the prosthetic is a rare, but devastating complication which may result in the well-known aortoenteric or aortobronchial fistulae. Bronchoesophageal fistula resulting from an infected aortic endograft has not yet been reported in the literature. Early recognition of the symptoms and prompt imaging confirmation are essential for treating an otherwise highly morbid diagnosis.

Outcome and safety of tailored surgical treatments of nonmalignant esophagotracheobronchial fistula: report of fourteen patients

Introduction

Acquired benign esophageal tracheobronchial fistulae are clinically rare. In this paper, we summarize our experiences in surgical treatment of 14 consecutive patients with acquired benign esophageal tracheobronchial fistula.

Methods

This series included patients who underwent surgery between January 2002 and June 2015 at our institution. We retrieved and analyzed data on demographics, operative characteristics, and surgical outcome of the patients.

Results

Bronchofiberscopy revealed the membranous trachea openings of fistulae and gastroendoscopy further showed lesions in the anterolateral wall of the esophagus. Thoracotomy, division of the fistulous tract, and closure of the esophagus and trachea and other procedures were performed. All operations were uneventful, and there was no perioperative and postoperative complication or death. Symptoms disappeared after surgery in patients. The median length of hospital stay was 53 (range 31–270) days. The patients were followed up for a median of 33.5 (range 15–168) months. No recurrence was reported.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that acquired benign esophageal tracheobronchial fistulae have a broad spectrum of anatomic pathologies and exhibit markedly varied clinical manifestations, and a surgical approach tailored to the condition of individual patients is recommended.